Background of the Study:
Open access publishing represents a transformative approach in disseminating academic knowledge by ensuring that research findings are freely available to the global community. Despite the inherent advantages of this model, lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University face significant challenges in adopting open access publishing practices. These challenges include concerns over publication fees, perceived quality of open access journals, and a lack of institutional support (Hughes, 2023). With the increasing need for visibility and accessibility in academic circles, open access publishing offers the potential to enhance research impact and facilitate broader dissemination of innovative ideas. However, cultural, infrastructural, and financial constraints present considerable barriers to the widespread adoption among lecturers. Issues such as the fear of predatory journals and skepticism regarding academic prestige further complicate the willingness of lecturers to transition from traditional publishing models (Bennett, 2024). This study aims to examine these challenges in depth, providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence lecturers' decisions regarding open access. By understanding these challenges, the study seeks to propose potential solutions, including policy interventions and capacity-building initiatives, to promote sustainable open access practices in the academic environment (Morgan, 2023).
Statement of the Problem:
Lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University struggle with adopting open access publishing due to multiple challenges. Limited financial support to cover article processing charges, doubts regarding the academic quality of some open access platforms, and an insufficient policy framework are critical concerns. These issues often result in reluctance to publish via open access channels, thereby hindering the broader dissemination of research outputs. Furthermore, inadequate institutional encouragement and the risk of associating with predatory publishers exacerbate these challenges. This study aims to systematically address these issues by investigating the underlying factors and exploring potential solutions to encourage lecturers to transition to open access publishing (Reed, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
To identify challenges lecturers face in adopting open access publishing.
To evaluate the impact of these challenges on research dissemination.
To propose measures that can facilitate wider adoption of open access publishing practices.
Research Questions:
What are the key challenges inhibiting lecturers from adopting open access publishing?
How do these challenges impact the overall dissemination of research outputs?
What measures can be implemented to overcome these challenges?
Significance of the Study:
The study is critical in mapping the barriers to open access publishing and providing data-driven recommendations for institutional policy reforms. The findings will contribute to creating a supportive environment for lecturers, potentially increasing the reach and impact of their academic work (Stevens, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to analyzing the challenges related to open access publishing among lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. It does not consider other factors outside the institutional framework or compare different geographic regions.
Definitions of Terms:
Open Access Publishing: The practice of making research outputs freely available online without subscription fees.
Article Processing Charges (APCs): Fees charged to authors for publishing research articles in open access platforms.
Predatory Journals: Unethical journals that exploit the open access model without proper peer review.
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